Billing for anesthesia codes in DrChrono is based on the following formula:
Total Units = Base Units + Timed Units + Physical Status Modifier Units
Definitions
Base Units—The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns base units for each anesthesia procedure code. These base units are loaded into DrChrono and will apply automatically based on the anesthesia code entered.
Timed Units - The total minutes spent with the patient divided by 15. 1 Timed Unit = 15 minutes with the patient
Physical Status Modifier Units -
P1 A normal healthy patient None
P2 A patient with mild systemic disease None
P3 A patient with severe systemic disease 15 Minutes 1
P4 A patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life 30 Minutes 2
P5 A moribund patient who is not expected to survive without the operation 45 Minutes 3
P6 A declared brain-dead patient whose organs are being removed for donor purposes None
We will display an information icon to show how the units were calculated.
